Yes, we know your two
week overseas trip was
spectacular. But now
you’ve swapped the pool
deck for a work desk and
have a to-do list longer
than the customs queue.
First step: put down the
Aperol spritz. Second step:
use these five strategies to
ace that first day back...You’ve spent 14 days soaking
yourself in vitamin D, sending your
serotonin levels soaring. But
swapping sunshine for office
strip-lighting has left you sleepy and
stressed. A study in the Journal of
Biological Rhythms linked artificial
light to low levels of cortisol (it gets
a bad rep as a ‘stress hormone’, but
it’s also one of your body’s coping
mechanisms to stop you curling into
a ball, weeping). Holiday sleep-ins
are over for now (weep), so get up
early and spend 30 minutes outside
to get some natural light before
work. Go for a walk or sit at a cafeand flick through your holiday pics
on the way to work. Your colleagues
won’t care for them (sorry).
DO MORE A daily probiotic can
boost vitamin D levels by 25
per cent, according to a study
published in the Journal of Clinical
Endocrinology & Metabolism. “ Ta ke
one that’s high in bifidobacteria and
lactobacilli for two weeks before
your trip and four weeks after,” says
nutritionist Dr Christy Fergusson.It’s time to channel some
serious Zen. Omm...
Just 24 hours ago, the closest you
got to multitasking was applying
SPF while ordering a mojito, now
you’re in popcorn-brain meltdown.
Mindfulness training has been
shown to improve your focus,
says research from the University
of California. Get the free Insight
Timer app and start on holiday.
“Just concentrate on sounds,
whether that’s the ocean or your
own breath,” says meditation
teacher Kim Bennett. “At work,
spend 30 seconds in listening
mode to refocus. The sound of
tapping keyboards can be strangely
calming.” If you say so.
DO MORE It might sound odd but
chewing (sugar-free) gum can
help. Research from St. Lawrence
University in the US found that
chewing stimulates the area of the
brain that controls concentration.
It’s known as ‘mastication-
induced arousal’. Try asking for
that in your local newsagent.Returning to work
after a holiday can feel
like a life sentence.
Not anymore...
By Becky FletcherSMASH
YOUR FIRST
DAY B AC K
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